I do a little hiking here in KY with friends. There's a favorite spot of ours that requires climbing down a 10-15 foot drop to get to. (The drop leads to a flat ledge which is about 100' ft high) Then we have to walk on a narrow ledge while hugging a wall. As I'm getting older and possibly wiser, I'm starting to want a little extra assistance and insurance while on the narrow ledge and scaling back up that drop. I've talked to a couple of friends about a budget rope and they suggested like this: http://cruisermarine.com/...ainless-thimble.htmlFor the experts here, what's your opinion on using something like this? I know it's not actual climbing rope, but would it serve my purpose? I figure the thimble on the rope would be nice so I don't have to tie a knot to secure the rope to the tree I plan on anchoring it to.

I do a little hiking here in KY with friends. There's a favorite spot of ours that requires climbing down a 10-15 foot drop to get to. (The drop leads to a flat ledge which is about 100' ft high) Then we have to walk on a narrow ledge while hugging a wall. As I'm getting older and possibly wiser, I'm starting to want a little extra assistance and insurance while on the narrow ledge and scaling back up that drop. I've talked to a couple of friends about a budget rope and they suggested like this: http://cruisermarine.com/...ainless-thimble.htmlFor the experts here, what's your opinion on using something like this? I know it's not actual climbing rope, but would it serve my purpose? I figure the thimble on the rope would be nice so I don't have to tie a knot to secure the rope to the tree I plan on anchoring it to.

This sounds a lot like the waterfall thread from a few years ago.

If you're serious, you might want to explain how you plan on using the rope. If you're just wrapping it around the tree and tying some overhand knots every few feet for handholds, just get any old cheap 1/4" nylon rope and tie a permanent overhand on a bight in place of the metal thimble. You'll spend 10 dollars instead of 60.

If you're serious, you might want to explain how you plan on using the rope. If you're just wrapping it around the tree and tying some overhand knots every few feet for handholds, just get any old cheap 1/4" nylon rope and tie a permanent overhand on a bight in place of the metal thimble. You'll spend 10 dollars instead of 60.

I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. I was thinking half inch rope because it's easier to grab when you're not grabbing a knot. When looking for a rope, I want to make sure it's tough enough to withstand being thrown over the edge of a cliff. It will be rubbing against rock. I also want to make sure it's strong enough to hold a person up to 300 lbs. (I'm guessing that means I need a working load greater than 600 lbs to account for knots weakening it. PLEASE TELL ME IF I'M WRONG!) The rope failing would likely be life threatening. While saving money would be absolutely fantastic as I have a lot expenses right now, I don't want to cheap out and that lead to serious injury or death.

This might be just what I need, thanks. Just to be clear, are all the ropes on that page actual climbing rope? Will they be strong enough to support a person weighing 300 lbs? Will they be able to hold up to rubbing against a rock ledge?

1) All the ropes on that page I linked are "climbing" ropes. 2) All the ropes on that page will support the weight of a person. 3) Static ropes seem to be more abrasion resistant than dynamic ropes. If constant rubbing against an edge, please consider adding a rope protector or padding the edge with extra clothing, a scrap of carpet, etc.

It's hard to imagine that 1/4" nylon rope from Home Depot is rated to support human life. I think using that would be a very bad idea. I would not use that boating anchor rope, either.

It sounds like you've done this 'route' in the past without a rope and perhaps the 10-15' section is not really vertical. Is that correct?

Exactly what are you planning to do ? It sounds like you're tying the rope off at the top and throwing it over, then using it to protect your traverse on the ledge ? If so, a dynamic rope is not a good idea.

I'm tying the rope to a solid tree, tying some knots or loops in it, throwing it over the edge. Use it to climb down a 15' drop off to a ledge. Then use it to help me get to our spot where the ledge is less than 8" wide to stand on.

I'm tying the rope to a solid tree, tying some knots or loops in it, throwing it over the edge. Use it to climb down a 15' drop off to a ledge. Then use it to help me get to our spot where the ledge is less than 8" wide to stand on.

You should have posted the photo to begin with. Looks dangerous with or without a rope. I would not recommend that you Batman down a rope to that cave. My vote is you should get some personal instruction even if you have to pay for it.

Believe it or not, it's not quite as bad as it looks. Sure a fall would be bad, but you're actually leaning forward against the rock for the most part when navigating to the cave. I guess you would call it a cave, it's actually kinda of an odd spot. It almost looks like a giant ice cream scoop was used to make that hole. It's a spherical shaped room about the size of a bathroom. Probably about 10-12' in diameter. It's actually called the Eagle's Nest.

On a side note, I know some basic knots, but am wondering what would be the best ones to use for 3 different purposes: 1. Securing the rope by tying it to a tree. 2. To create a loop to grab and/or put your foot in to for climbing up. 3. A large knot to use just for grabbing and pulling up for climbing.

Do it properly. Put a sling around the tree so you don't damage it and kill it. Put a biner on the sling. Get a harness, ATC, prussik, and learn how to rap safety. Don't forget to tie knots in the end of the rope.